Mr. Orsini Speaks or Writes

[PonyKai]

http://smuad.blogspot.com/

[Junior]

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Busy Times
By Steve Orsini, Director of Athletics

I apologize for the recent lapse in blogging, but hopefully everyone can understand that the coaching search is my highest priority right now. I did want to offer a few words, though, about the process.

I know some of you may be frustrated with the lack of news and information out there, but a coaching search is unlike anything else we do. It has always been my experience that these searches are best conducted quietly. Again, I know that may frustrate the message boards, bloggers and even the DMN, but right now I can only focus on getting the best available coach to the Hilltop.

Our timeline is influenced by the high quality of candidates we are pursuing, but as I said last time, I entered this process with a plan. I remain pleased with how it’s being executed and its effectiveness. We’re on the right track.

Thanks again to everyone for their interest. We appreciate your support. Know that we will win at SMU. GO MUSTANGS!

[George S. Patton]

I think that's all people want is to feel connected. There has been a disconnect here.

This blog may not serve a lot of people. But he acknowledged this board and bloggers because he sees it and knows. That's a good thing.

The thing I took from this is that he talk about how quiet he wants it. Sure, we all know that. But this is the first time he's really talked about. I think if he had said that earlier, the level of frustration wouldn't be at this level.

[Junior]

Like a lot of us have already said, we just wanted to hear SOMETHING.

Thanks, Steve-O.

Hope to hear great news from you soon!

[SmooBoy]

I at least now feel like he hears our frustration, mentioning the message board and all. Something is better than nothing.

[Pony^]

I was only half-listening to the radio interview, but didn't S.O. say something about the quality level of the coaches sought still having games left.

He also made a previous comment regarding a lack of urgency due to the recruiting "dead period."

Reading between the lines, S.O. could possibly have someone lined-up but is holding back the name until that coach has completed his season.

Perhaps too optimistic -- but possible.

[Phxfan]

I was only half-listening to the radio interview, but didn't S.O. say something about the quality level of the coaches sought still having games left.

He also made a previous comment regarding a lack of urgency due to the recruiting "dead period."

Reading between the lines, S.O. could possibly have someone lined-up but is holding back the name until that coach has completed his season.

Perhaps too optimistic -- but possible.

I would say probable.

[ponydawg]

I wonder what Kate will have to say about this post....when she reads it in four days.


Burn.



I kid Kate, I kid.

[LakeHighlandsPony]

Steve-O

Now that I know you read our boards-please get Neuheisel in here!

We are glad its you leading this search!

[huskerpony]

I was only half-listening to the radio interview, but didn't S.O. say something about the quality level of the coaches sought still having games left.

He also made a previous comment regarding a lack of urgency due to the recruiting "dead period."

Reading between the lines, S.O. could possibly have someone lined-up but is holding back the name until that coach has completed his season.

Perhaps too optimistic -- but possible.

I would say probable.

I sure hope that isn't the case. I've watched this dance before. Result = Bill Callahan.

If it is the case, it means head coaches only. No assistant, college or NFL, would hide out until after the season. They would want their name out there so they have multiple options to choose from if possible.

Looking at the teams in bowl games, John L. Smith and Chris Peterson look like the most likely candidates. However, that would be a really boneheaded move by Steve-O, in my opinion, to allow him to coach his bowl game before making an announcement.
1) If one of these guys is going to be our coach, they should be recruiting for us right now, not their schools
2) This just leaves the door open for their schools to counter offer if they win the bowl game and decide they want to keep them.

[BRStang]

Boy, amazing what a little communication will do. Next week, if there is no coach hired by this time, I would think another one of these little blog updates would go a long way. Only next week, please add a little tidbit about why it is taking so long, please.

[QuikSStang]

better than nothing. i still have faith im Steve-O. i wished he would have addressed the recruiting question though

[Peruna8891]

Thanks to Steve O. I a little love goes along way.

I was struck by one (perhaps obvious) thought. He, for the first time, acknowledged the need to keep things quiet (I would have loved to hear his rationale - but beggars can't be choosers) as the General previously posted. But, I find it interesting that the only potential candidates we hear from are those who are not actively being considered.

In 7 weeks, SO has to have interviewed a number of candidates, but we have not heard not a word from any of them. As a private university, an argument can be made that we can conduct business differently from those schools where public money goes, but the level of silence coming from serious potential candidates is stunning. The point - there must be some sort of gag rule or agreement with potential candidates that their continued consideration is contingent upon their silence.

Thoughts???

[Peruna8891]

Thanks to Steve O. I a little love goes along way.

I was struck by one (perhaps obvious) thought. He, for the first time, acknowledged the need to keep things quiet (I would have loved to hear his rationale - but beggars can't be choosers) as the General previously posted. But, I find it interesting that the only potential candidates we hear from are those who are not actively being considered.

In 7 weeks, SO has to have interviewed a number of candidates, but we have not heard not a word from any of them. As a private university, an argument can be made that we can conduct business differently from those schools where public money goes, but the level of silence coming from serious potential candidates is stunning. The point - there must be some sort of gag rule or agreement with potential candidates that their continued consideration is contingent upon their silence.

Thoughts???

[DiamondM75]

better than nothing. i still have faith im Steve-O. i wished he would have addressed the recruiting question though

In an article in the DMN today:

"Mike Vaught, executive associate athletic director, and Ross recently passed NCAA compliance test, allowing them to operate as recruiters. They are not evaluating new recruits."

So we are staying in contact with our committments and recruits.